Pastor Joe Summers’ hard work and dedication organizing “UnStuck: Reviving the Movement for Social Justice, Human Dignity, and the Environment” at The Michigan Theater on February 16, 2013 was a huge success. With Rev. James Forbes and Cornel West as the keynotes, along with musical performances, and wide support, the program delivered a whole greater than the sum of its parts. I was honored to be among several speakers about religion’s sticking points in unleashing social change. I’m sharing my talk here.
“Stick” with this; it’s not that long.
I’ve been energized these days about my profession as an Interfaith Minister and my practice (vocation) as an Interfaith Educator. So when Joe asked me to be part of this event, I agreed. Because I thought I had a lot to say. But when I sat down to write, I felt “stuck.” Now I’m going to tell you what I’ve learned about getting “unstuck.”
I grew up in a Conservative Jewish household. I went to Hebrew School every Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday. My family attended Sabbath Services which meant I was at the synagogue on Saturdays, too. When I joined the Jewish Youth Group, I was there five times each week. I went to Jewish camps in the summer. I lived on a religious kibbutz in Israel briefly in high school. I attended the Hebrew University in Jerusalem for my junior year of college. I thought I would join the Israeli army, marry an Israeli, and live life on a kibbutz. Would you be surprised if I told you that it didn’t work out that way?
What happened?
How many literary characters can you name who embrace three religions?